Dividing system for gaming chip racks

ABSTRACT

A chip rack comprises: (a) a tray including first and second parallel side walls; bottom member including a plurality of cylindrical troughs that hold chips and are parallel to first and second side walls; and first and second parallel longitudinal walls; and (b) a plurality of dividers that perpendicularly intersect the plurality of cylindrical troughs wherein the dividers are spaced to separate a predetermined quantity of chips such as 20, which is the casino industry standard used in the accounting of chip inventories. The dividers separate chips into stacks of 20, allowing quicker accounting of chips by dealers and supervisors. The plurality of dividers may comprise multiple series of protuberances and may further include a divider or spacer that runs along the first longitudinal wall to provide distance between the first longitudinal wall and a chip stack to allow a dealer to easily lift up the chip stack.

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 ofprovisional application Ser. No. 61/643,275, filed May 5, 2012, thecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to equipment and accessories forcasino table games. More particularly, the present invention relates toa gaming chip rack apparatus and system that includes dividers toprovide a more accurate and efficient method for the accounting ofchips.

BACKGROUND

Gaming chip racks used by dealers at casinos for table games likeblackjack and poker have changed little in the past 80 years.Traditional chip racks are used to hold chips in an orderly manner at agaming table and for transporting chips. One of the essentialrequirements of using gaming chips is the need to keep an accurate countof the gaming chips since they are used as currency within casinos.

Counting individual chips is a time consuming and error prone process.The traditional chip rack uses one-dollar chips, fifty-cent coins, orplastic lammers to track the chips. Since the chips are manually handledand counted, mistakes often occur; and such mistakes are often notcaught until the table closes so a dealer can work an entire shift withan inaccurate count of chips. The chip rack can easily get disorganized,and the dealer therefore has to constantly reorganize his or her rackduring a game, causing the dealer to waste valuable time. Furthermore,without actually counting individual chips, a casino floor supervisor,pit manager, shift manager, or security employees cannot quickly obtainan accurate chip count by taking one look at the dealer's chip rack.

Table closing procedures conducted at casinos typically require removingstacks of chips and counting them down in order to prove the accuracy ofthe chip accounting. In practice, this cumbersome procedure can last tenminutes or longer.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an apparatus thatfacilitates accurate accounting of gaming chips, keeps the gaming chipsneat and organized, and reduces the labor and time required during thetable opening and closing processes administered at casinos. A gamingchip rack apparatus that addresses all of the above-mentioned drawbacksin the art would not only provide an accurate chip count and keep adealer's chip rack organized, but it would certainly be morecost-efficient for the gaming establishments since it would reduce laborcosts incurred during the table opening and closing processes, reducelosses incurred from inaccurate accounting of chips, and allow morerounds of play in a given time period as it would eliminate time wastedby a dealer from having to constantly reorganize the chip rack during abusy game. Other advantages of the present invention will be apparent toone of ordinary skill in the art in light of the ensuing description ofthe present invention.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to a dividing apparatus and system forgaming chip racks that offers a more accurate and efficient system foraccounting of gaming chip inventory and reduces the labor requiredduring the table opening and closing processes conducted at casinos. Thedividing system keeps the gaming chips neat, organized, and professionallooking by eliminating cumbersome lammers. A casino floor supervisor,pit manager, shift manager, or security employee can take one look atthe rack to get an instant accurate chip count. The present inventioncan actually speed up the flow of play so a casino can conduct morerounds of play in a given time period since the dealer would not wastetime by constantly reorganizing his or her chip rack during a busy game.The features of the present invention result in the reduction of laborcosts incurred during the table opening and closing processes, reductionin losses incurred from inaccurate accounting of chips, and themaximization of productivity and profit for casinos.

To achieve the foregoing and in accordance with the purposes of thepresent invention, the present invention is directed to a dividingapparatus for a chip rack comprising: (a) a plurality of dividers thatperpendicularly intersect a plurality of cylindrical troughs located onthe chip rack wherein the plurality of dividers are spaced to separate apredetermined quantity of gaming chips; and (b) a spacer that runs alonga longitudinal wall of the chip rack and runs perpendicularly to theplurality of cylindrical troughs. The spacer provides a distancein-between the longitudinal wall and a stack of gaming chips to allow adealer to easily lift up the stack of gaming chips out of the chip rack.The spacer may be an additional divider, or the spacer may be a separateand distinct component. The plurality of cylindrical troughs arepositioned adjacent and parallel to one another and may be attached toor formed into the bottom of the chip rack. The cylindrical troughs areconcave and are shaped and dimensioned to hold gaming chips by cuppingthe chip' edges wherein the chips are horizontally stacked face-to-facein the chip rack. The plurality of dividers may be removably attached orpermanently attached to the chip rack in different versions of theinvention; and in some versions, the plurality of dividers may includean infrared coating to enhance tracking of chips. In the embodiments ofthe invention depicted in the accompanying figures, the predeterminedquantity of gaming chips is 20, which coincides with the casinoindustry's standard of 20-chip intervals used in chip inventories. Theplurality of dividers separates the chips into stacks of 20, allowingfor easier and quicker accounting of the chips by dealers andsupervisors. However, the predetermined quantity of chips may be anysuitable quantity such as 5, 10, 20, 25, or any desired number of chips.

In an additional embodiment of the present invention, a divided chiprack comprises: (a) a tray including (i) a first side wall, (ii) asecond side wall that is parallel to the first side wall, (iii) a bottommember including a plurality of cylindrical troughs that hold gamingchips wherein the plurality of cylindrical troughs are parallel to thefirst side wall and the second side wall, (iv) a first longitudinalwall, and (v) a second longitudinal wall that is parallel to the firstlongitudinal wall; and (b) a plurality of dividers that perpendicularlyintersect the plurality of cylindrical troughs. The plurality ofdividers are spaced to separate a predetermined quantity of chips. Inmany versions of the invention, the predetermined quantity of chips is20. The first side wall, the second side wall, the first longitudinalwall, and the second longitudinal wall are attached to the bottom memberof the tray to form the frame of the chip rack. The plurality ofdividers may comprise: (i) a first divider comprising a first series ofprotuberances, (ii) a second divider comprising a second series ofprotuberances, and (iii) a third divider comprising a third series ofprotuberances. The plurality of dividers may further comprise a fourthdivider comprising a fourth series of protuberances. In such versions ofthe invention, the fourth divider runs along the first longitudinal wallto provide a distance between the first longitudinal wall and a stack ofchips to allow a dealer to easily lift up the stack of chips.Alternatively, the divided chip rack may further comprise a spacer thatruns along the first longitudinal wall to provide a distance in-betweenthe first longitudinal wall and a stack of chips also allowing thedealer to easily lift up the stack of chips. The plurality ofcylindrical troughs may run from the first longitudinal wall to thesecond longitudinal wall of the tray. In some versions of the invention,the first longitudinal wall which faces the dealer is taller than thesecond longitudinal wall which faces the player, and the first side walland the second side wall are comprised of a triangular shape. Also, theplurality of dividers may be permanently attached to the plurality ofcylindrical troughs (e.g., the plurality of dividers and the chip rackmay be manufactured as one unit); or the dividers can be detachable fromthe plurality of cylindrical troughs.

A further embodiment of the present invention is directed to a dividingsystem for gaming chips comprising: (a) a chip rack including (i) afirst side wall, (ii) a second side wall that is parallel to the firstside wall, (iii) a bottom member including a plurality of cylindricaltroughs that hold the gaming chips wherein the plurality of cylindricaltroughs are parallel to the first side wall and the second side wall,(iv) a first longitudinal wall, and (v) a second longitudinal wall thatis parallel to the first longitudinal wall; (b) a plurality of dividersthat perpendicularly traverse the plurality of cylindrical troughswherein the plurality of dividers separate a predetermined quantity ofchips (e.g., 5, 10, 20, or 25 chips); and (c) a spacer that runs alongthe first longitudinal wall. The spacer provides a distance in-betweenthe first longitudinal wall and a stack of gaming chips to allow adealer to easily lift up the stack of gaming chips. The first side wall,the second side wall, the first longitudinal wall, and the secondlongitudinal wall are attached to the bottom member to form the frame ofthe chip rack. The plurality of dividers may be comprised of: (i) afirst divider comprising a first series of protuberances, (ii) a seconddivider comprising a second series of protuberances, and (iii) a thirddivider comprising a third series of protuberances.

In some versions of the foregoing embodiment of the invention, the firstlongitudinal wall is taller than the second longitudinal wall, and thefirst side wall and the second side wall are comprised of a triangularshape. In such versions, the plurality of dividers may be comprised of:(i) a first divider including a first horizontal run adapted to hold thepredetermined quantity of chips and a first vertical rise; and (ii) asecond divider including a second horizontal run adapted to hold thepredetermined quantity of chips and a second vertical rise that isshorter than the first vertical rise to separate the first horizontalrun from the second horizontal run. The plurality of dividers mayfurther include (iii) a third divider including a third horizontal runadapted to hold the predetermined quantity of chips and a third verticalrise that is shorter than the second vertical rise to separate thesecond horizontal run from the third horizontal run. In some versions ofthe invention, the plurality of dividers is permanently attached to theplurality of cylindrical troughs; or the plurality of dividers may becollectively or individually detachable from the plurality ofcylindrical troughs.

The above description sets forth a summary of embodiments of the presentinvention so that the detailed description that follows may be betterunderstood and contributions of the present invention to the art may bebetter appreciated. Some of the embodiments of the present invention maynot include all of the features or characteristics listed in the abovesummary. There may be, of course, other features of the invention thatwill be described below and may form the subject matter of claims. Inthis respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the inventionin further detail, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited in its application to the details of the construction and to thearrangement of the components set forth in the following description oras illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.Furthermore, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminologyemployed herein are for the purpose of description and should not beregarded as limiting.

Other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following description of the invention, takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by wayof example, various features of embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a front perspective view from a player's perspective of adividing system in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 depicts a rear perspective view of the dividing system shown inFIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts a top view of the dividing system shown in FIG. 1 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of a portion of the dividing systemshown in FIG. 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 depicts a front perspective view from a player's perspective of adividing system in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of a portion of the dividing systemshown in FIG. 5 in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 depicts a top view of the dividing system shown in FIG. 6 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description of embodiments of the invention, referenceis made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of thisapplication. The drawings show, by way of illustration, certainembodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to beunderstood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications maybe made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Also,it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employedherein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded aslimiting.

FIGS. 1 and FIG. 2 depict perspective views of one embodiment of thedividing system of the present invention. The view illustrated in FIG. 1is a front perspective view from a player's perspective, while the viewillustrated in FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view from a player'sperspective or a front perspective view form a dealer's perspectiveduring a typical game. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the dividing systemof the present invention includes a chip rack comprised of: (i) a firstside wall 110, (ii) a second side wall 120 which is parallel to firstside wall 110, (iii) a bottom member 150, (iv) a first longitudinal wall130, and (v) a second longitudinal wall 140 that is parallel to firstlongitudinal wall 130. First side wall 110, second side wall 120, firstlongitudinal wall 130, and second longitudinal wall 140 are attached tothe perimeter of bottom member 150 to form the frame or shell of thechip rack. In the embodiments depicted in the accompanying drawings,first longitudinal wall 130 is the side of the chip rack that is closestto the dealer during a game.

First side wall 110, second side wall 120, first longitudinal wall 130,second longitudinal wall 140, and bottom member 150 are not limited toany particular shape, size, configuration, or structure. For instance,first side wall 110, second side wall 120, first longitudinal wall 130,second longitudinal wall 140, and bottom member 150 are not limited to arectangular prism shape, a panel shape, or a flat member, and are thusnot limited to its wall- or panel-like components. The terms first sidewall 110, second side wall 120, first longitudinal wall 130, secondlongitudinal wall 140, and bottom member 150 may also include any edges,lips, borders, decorative elements, handles, and other structuresattached thereto. Therefore, each of the following terms: first sidewall 110, second side wall 120, first longitudinal wall 130, secondlongitudinal wall 140, and bottom member 150 each collectively refers toits wall- or panel-like component and its other structures attachedthereto (e.g., edges, lips, borders, decorative elements, handles,etc.).

In the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1-2, firstlongitudinal wall 130 is taller than second longitudinal wall 140, andFIG. 1 shows first side wall 110 and second side wall 120 comprising atriangular shape. If viewed form the side of the chip rack, side wall110 and second side wall 120 are comprised of a triangular profile withthe hypotenuse of the triangle forming part of the top side edges of thechip rack and spanning from the top of first longitudinal wall 130 tosecond longitudinal wall 140

FIG. 3 depicts a top view of the present invention and illustrates firstside wall 110 and second side wall 120 parallel to one another andperpendicular to first longitudinal wall 130 and second longitudinalwall 140. Bottom member 150 is basically comprised of a rectangularshape as shown by the perimeter formed by first side wall 110, secondside wall 120, first longitudinal wall 130, and second longitudinal wall140. As seen in FIGS. 1-3, bottom member 150 includes a plurality ofcylindrical troughs that are positioned parallel to one another andparallel to first side wall 110 and second side wall 120. The pluralityof cylindrical troughs each include a concave surface, are positionedadjacent and parallel to another, and span from first longitudinal wall130 to second longitudinal wall 140.

The plurality of cylindrical troughs may be comprised of any suitablenumber. For example, the plurality may equal 6, 8, 10, 12, 15 or anydesired number of troughs. In the embodiment of the invention shown inFIGS. 1-3, the plurality of cylindrical troughs equals 12, which isstandard for many chip racks used in casino games. Thus, as illustratedin FIGS. 1-3, the plurality of cylindrical troughs is comprised of: afirst trough 1010, a second trough 1020, a third trough 1030, a fourthtrough 1040, a fifth trough 1050, a sixth trough 1060, a seventh trough1070, an eighth trough 1080, a ninth trough 1090, a tenth trough 1100,an eleventh trough 1110, and a twelfth trough 1120. The aforementionedcylindrical troughs are dimensioned and shaped to hold gaming chips thatare horizontally stacked face-to-face within the chip rack. Thecylindrical troughs' concave surface allows it to hold stacks of chipsby essentially cupping the edge of each chip. FIG. 1 illustrates ninthtrough 1090 holding a first stack of chips 910, a second stack of chips920, and a third stack of chips 930 therein, while FIG. 3 illustratesfifth through 1050 holding first stack of chips 910, second stack ofchips 920, and third stack of chips 930 therein.

The dividing system of the present invention includes a plurality ofdividers that perpendicularly intersect the plurality of cylindricaltroughs. The plurality of dividers are positioned and spaced to separatea predetermined quantity of chips, which may comprise of any suitablequantity such as 5, 10, 20, 25, or any desired number of chips. In theembodiments of the invention depicted in FIGS. 1-7, the predeterminedquantity of chips is 20, which coincides with the casino industry'sstandard of 20-chip intervals used in chip inventories. In suchembodiments of the invention, the plurality of dividers separates thechips into stacks of 20 (see e.g., first stack of chips 910, secondstack of chips 920, and third stack of chips 930 in FIGS. 1 and 3),allowing for easier and quicker accounting of the chips by dealers andother casino employees.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the plurality of dividers may comprise of: afirst divider 500, a second divider 600, and a third divider 700 whichrun parallel to one another. First divider 500, second divider 600, andthird divider 700 run parallel to first longitudinal wall 130 and secondlongitudinal wall 140 and run perpendicular to first side wall 110 andsecond side wall 120. First divider 500, second divider 600, and thirddivider 700 may comprise of any suitable structures that provide a clearseparation of the chips into the predetermined quantities and permit thedealer to easily move stacks of chips comprised of said predeterminedquantities. For example, in the embodiment of the invention illustratedin FIGS. 1-4, first divider 500 comprises a first series ofprotuberances, second divider 600 comprises a second series ofprotuberances, and third divider 700 comprises a third series ofprotuberances. Such protuberances are projections that are high enoughto create a sufficient physical barrier between stacks of thepredetermined quantity of chips. The protuberances are also low enoughto allow the dealer to easily grab the stacks of the predeterminedquantity of chips as the protuberances ideally expose sufficient surfacearea on the face of each chip to make it easier to grab and handle astack of chips. Furthermore, the protuberances are thick enough toprovide sufficient separation and space between stacks of thepredetermined quantity of chips to allow the dealer to easily accesssuch stacks. For example, in one embodiment of the invention, thethickness of the protuberances are the same or similar to the thicknessof a gaming chip.

Each protuberance corresponds to a cylindrical trough on a chip rack todivide stacks of chips into predetermined quantities in itscorresponding cylindrical trough. For instance, FIG. 4 depicts a portionof the perspective view of the present invention shown in FIG. 2 andprovides a closer view of portions of second divider 600 and thirddivider 700. The second series of protuberances of second divider 600includes a protuberance 604, a protuberance 608, and a protuberance 612.The third series of protuberances of third divider 700 includes aprotuberance 704, a protuberance 708, and a protuberance 712.Protuberance 604, protuberance 608, and protuberance 612 divide chipsinto predetermined quantities in first trough 1010, second trough 1020,and third trough 1030, respectively. Protuberance 704, protuberance 708,and protuberance 712 also divide chips into predetermined quantities infirst trough 1010, second trough 1020, and third trough 1030,respectively.

FIG. 2 illustrates the remainder of the series of protuberances forsecond divider 600 and third divider 700 which spans from first sidewall 110 to second side wall 120. The second series of protuberances ofsecond divider 600 further includes: a protuberance 616, a protuberance620, a protuberance 624, a protuberance 628, a protuberance 632, aprotuberance 636, a protuberance 640, a protuberance 644, and aprotuberance 648, which divide chips into predetermined quantities infourth trough 1040, fifth trough 1050, sixth trough 1060, seventh trough1070, eighth trough 1080, ninth trough 1090, tenth trough 1100, eleventhtrough 1110, and twelfth trough 1120, respectively. The third series ofprotuberances of third divider 700 further includes: a protuberance 716,a protuberance 720, a protuberance 724, a protuberance 728, aprotuberance 732, a protuberance 736, a protuberance 640, a protuberance744, and a protuberance 748, which divide into predetermined quantitiesin fourth trough 1040, fifth trough 1050, sixth trough 1060, seventhtrough 1070, eighth trough 1080, ninth trough 1090, tenth trough 1100,eleventh trough 1110, and twelfth trough 1120, respectively.

FIG. 1 illustrates the first series of protuberances of first divider500 which is comprised of: a protuberance 504, a protuberance 508,protuberance 512, a protuberance 516, a protuberance 520, a protuberance524, a protuberance 528, a protuberance 532, a protuberance 536 (coveredby stacks of chips 910, 920, and 930), a protuberance 540, aprotuberance 544, and a protuberance 548, which divide chips intopredetermined quantities in first trough 1010, second trough 1020, thirdtrough 1030, fourth trough 1040, fifth trough 1050, sixth trough 1060,seventh trough 1070, eighth trough 1080, ninth trough 1090, tenth trough1100, eleventh trough 1110, and twelfth trough 1120, respectively.

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, stacks of chips 910, 920, and 930 are placedon their edge into the cylindrical troughs (trough 1090 FIG. 1 andtrough 1050 in FIG. 3) wherein the stacks of chips 910, 920, and 930 arestacked face-to-face. First divider 500, second divider 600, and thirddivider 700 prevent more than 20 chips to be stacked face-to-face andseparates the chips into groups of 20 chips. A dealer or casinosupervisor can quickly count the chips in stacks 910, 920, and 930 bycounting how many groups of 20 chips are filled and then countingwhatever single chips may be left over (i.e., counting chips that arenot part of a full stack of 20 chips). This greatly simplifies chipaccounting because the industry standard for chip inventories ismultiples of 20 chips.

FIG. 5 depicts a front perspective view from a player's perspective of adividing system of an alternate embodiment of the present inventionwherein the plurality of dividers comprises: a first divider 500, asecond divider 600, a third divider 700, and a fourth divider 800 whichare positioned parallel to one another. First divider 500, seconddivider 600, third divider 700, and fourth divider 800 run parallel tofirst longitudinal wall 130 and second longitudinal wall 140 and runperpendicular to first side wall 110 and second side wall 120.

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view providing a closer view of fourthdivider 800 and illustrates a stack of chips 910 in one of the chiprack's cylindrical troughs, and FIG. 7 depicts a top view of fourthdivider 800. As seen in FIGS. 5-7, fourth divider 800 runs along firstlongitudinal wall 130. As illustrated in FIG. 7, fourth divider 800 ispositioned along first longitudinal wall 130 to provide a distance 350between first longitudinal wall 130 and stack of chips 910. A dealer caninsert a portion of his or her thumb into the space provided by distance350 so the dealer can easily lift up the entire stack of chips 910. Inthis embodiment of the invention, fourth divider 400 is configured andshaped like first divider 500, second divider 600, and third divider 700to function as a spacer and provide distance 350 to enable easy removalor handling of chip stack 910. However, in alternate embodiments of theinvention, fourth divider 400 may be configured and shaped differentlyfrom first divider 500, second divider 600, and third divider 700.Alternatively, the chip rack may comprise a spacer, which is a structureconfigured and shaped distinctly from first divider 500, second divider600, and third divider 700. In such embodiments of the invention, thespacer runs along first longitudinal wall 130 to provide distance 350in-between first longitudinal wall 130 and stack of chips 910 to allow adealer to easily lift up stack of chips 910.

The plurality of dividers is not limited to any particular shape, size,dimensions, configuration, or structure. The plurality of dividers isnot limited to structures comprised of proturbences or projections toseparate chips into predetermined quantities. The plurality of dividersmay be comprised of variations in height of descending/ascending levelsto separate chips. For example, in one embodiment of the presentinvention, first longitudinal wall 130 is taller than secondlongitudinal wall 140, and first side wall 110 and second side wall 120are comprised of a triangular shape. In such embodiments, the pluralityof dividers may be comprised of: (i) a first divider including a firsthorizontal run adapted to hold the predetermined quantity of chips and afirst vertical rise; and (ii) a second divider including a secondhorizontal run adapted to hold the predetermined quantity of chips and asecond vertical rise. The second vertical rise is shorter than the firstvertical rise to separate the first horizontal run from the secondhorizontal run. In further embodiments, the plurality of dividers mayfurther comprise (iii) a third divider including a third horizontal runadapted to hold the predetermined quantity of chips and a third verticalrise. The third vertical rise is shorter than the second vertical riseto separate the second horizontal run from the third horizontal run. Forinstance, the first horizontal run, second horizontal run, and thirdhorizontal run may each be adapted to hold 20 chips. The differences inheight between the first vertical rise, second vertical rise, and thirdvertical rise separates and divides the first horizontal run, secondhorizontal run, and third horizontal (each dimensioned and configured tohold 20 chips) and permits the dealer to easily access 20-chip stacks,organize his or her chip rack, and maintain an accurate chip count.

As exemplified in the foregoing embodiment of the present invention, theplurality of dividers does not necessarily need to be attached directlyto the plurality of cylindrical troughs or to another component of thechip rack. The dividers intersect or traverse the cylindrical troughsperpendicularly and may be attached directly to the cylindrical troughsor to another part of the chip rack (e.g., to first side wall 110 andsecond side wall 120) wherein the dividers hover over or rest upon thecylindrical troughs. The dividers may be permanently attached to thecylindrical troughs and/or to the first side wall 110 and second sidewall 120 of the chip rack by any suitable methods known in the art. Forinstance, the dividers' proturbences may be spot welded to thecylindrical troughs and/or to the first side wall 110 and second sidewall 120 of the chip rack. The cylindrical troughs component or theentire chip rack may be manufactured with the dividers as one continuousunit (e.g., via a metal cast or plastic mold). Additionally, theapparatus of the present invention may be comprised of any suitablematerial known in the art such as metal materials, plastic materials, orcombinations thereof.

In some embodiments of the invention, the dividers are removablyattached to the cylindrical troughs and/or to first side wall 110 andsecond side wall 120 of the chip rack. In such embodiments, the dividersmay either be universally dimensioned and configured for use with a widevariety of chip racks, or the dividers may be specially adapted for usewith only specific chip racks. The dividers may be attached thecylindrical troughs and/or to first side wall 110 and second side wall120 of the chip rack via any suitable fastening system. The fasteningsystem may be comprised of a locking mechanism that includes two or morecomplementary components (e.g., male-female-type components) that: (i)inter-engage with one another to hold and secure the dividers to thechip rack and (ii) disengage from one another to detach the dividersfrom the chip rack. The complementary components of such lockingmechanisms may reside on first side wall 110 and second side wall 120,on one or more cylindrical troughs, and/or at any other suitableposition within the chip rack. In some versions of the invention, thedividers may be specially adapted for use with specific chip racks andmay include at least one fastening component that inter-engages with acorresponding or complementary fastening component that is attached toor part of the chip rack. For example, the fastening system may becomprised of a button-like or snap-in mechanism that snaps together tosecure the dividers to the chip rack. In one embodiment, first side wall110 and second side wall 120 of the chip rack include a female-typefastening component (e.g., aperture) that engages with a male-typefastening component (e.g., projection) located beneath the dividers. Insome embodiments, the fastening system further includes a releasemechanism to allow the dividers to disengage and pop up from the chiprack. Each divider may each include its own respective fastening systemallowing each divider to be attached to the chip rack individually.Alternatively, the dividers may be attached to one another forming acollective unit that includes one fastening system that allowssimultaneous attachment of multiple dividers to the chip rack.

Additionally, the dividing apparatus of the present invention mayfurther include other features to enhance the tracking of chips. Forexample, the dividers, the cylindrical troughs, and/or other componentsof the chip rack may include an infrared coating that utilizes infraredlight which is electromagnetic radiation with longer wavelengths thanthose of visible light but shorter than radio waves. An infraredtracking system would enable casino surveillance to covertly trackchips. In such versions of the invention, the casino would use aspecialized infrared camera to detect the infrared coated components ofthe present invention to monitor chip inventory and verify accounting ofchips, among other uses.

EXAMPLES

In the foregoing description of embodiments of the invention, referencewas made to the accompanying figures, which form a part of thisapplication. The figures show, by way of illustration, certainembodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to beunderstood that other variations are possible and modifications may bemade without departing from the scope of the present invention. Avariety of embodiments are possible wherein each embodiment includes adifferent combination of the different aspects and elements of thepresent invention.

For example, in one embodiment, a dividing apparatus for a chip rack iscomprised of: (a) a plurality of dividers that perpendicularly intersecta plurality of cylindrical troughs on the chip rack; and (b) a spacerthat runs along a longitudinal wall of the chip rack and runsperpendicularly to the plurality of cylindrical troughs. The pluralityof dividers are spaced to separate a predetermined quantity of gamingchips. In one embodiment, the predetermined quantity of gaming chips is20, which coincides with the casino industry's standard of 20-chipintervals used in chip inventories. The spacer provides a distancein-between the longitudinal wall and a stack of gaming chips to allow adealer to easily lift up the stack of gaming chips. The plurality ofdividers may be removably attached or permanently attached to the chiprack. In one embodiment, the plurality of dividers may include aninfrared coating to enhance tracking of chips.

In another example, an alternate embodiment of the invention is directedto a divided chip rack and comprises: (a) a tray including (i) a firstside wall, (ii) a second side wall parallel to the first side wall,(iii) a bottom member including a plurality of cylindrical troughs thathold gaming chips and that is positioned parallel to the first side walland the second side wall, (iv) a first longitudinal wall, and (v) asecond longitudinal wall parallel to the first longitudinal wall; and(b) a plurality of dividers that perpendicularly intersect the pluralityof cylindrical troughs. The plurality of dividers are spaced to separatea predetermined quantity of chips. For instance, the predeterminedquantity of chips may be 20, which is in accordance with casino chipaccounting practices. The first side wall, the second side wall, thefirst longitudinal wall, and the second longitudinal wall are attachedto the bottom member of the tray to form the frame of the chip rack. Theplurality of dividers may include: (i) a first divider comprising afirst series of protuberances, (ii) a second divider comprising a secondseries of protuberances, and (iii) a third divider comprising a thirdseries of protuberances. The plurality of dividers may also comprise afourth divider comprising a fourth series of protuberances. In suchversions, the fourth divider runs along the first longitudinal wall toprovide a distance between the first longitudinal wall and a stack ofchips to allow a dealer to easily lift the stack of chips from the chiprack. In other versions, the divided chip rack may further include aspacer that runs along the first longitudinal wall to provide a distancein-between the first longitudinal wall and a stack of chips to allow thedealer to easily lift up the stack of chips. The plurality ofcylindrical troughs may run from the first longitudinal wall to thesecond longitudinal wall of the tray. In some versions, the firstlongitudinal wall (which faces the dealer) may be taller than the secondlongitudinal wall, and the first side wall and the second side wall arecomprised of a triangular shape. Additionally, the plurality of dividersmay be permanently affixed to the plurality of cylindrical troughs inwhich the plurality of dividers and the chip rack are manufactured asone unit; or the dividers can be detachable from the plurality ofcylindrical troughs.

In a further example, a dividing system for gaming chips is comprisedof: (a) a chip rack including (i) a first side wall, (ii) a second sidewall parallel to the first side wall, (iii) a bottom member including aplurality of cylindrical troughs that hold the gaming chips and ispositioned parallel to the first side wall and the second side wall,(iv) a first longitudinal wall, and (v) a second longitudinal wallparallel to the first longitudinal wall; (b) a plurality of dividersthat perpendicularly traverse the plurality of cylindrical troughswherein the plurality of dividers separate a predetermined quantity ofchips such as 20 chips; and (c) a spacer that runs along the firstlongitudinal wall and provides a distance in-between the firstlongitudinal wall and a stack of gaming chips to allow a dealer toeasily lift up the stack of gaming chips. The first side wall, thesecond side wall, the first longitudinal wall, and the secondlongitudinal wall are attached to the perimeter of the bottom member toform the frame of the chip rack. The plurality of dividers may becomprised of: (i) a first divider comprising a first series ofprotuberances, (ii) a second divider comprising a second series ofprotuberances, and (iii) a third divider comprising a third series ofprotuberances. In some versions, the first longitudinal wall is tallerthan the second longitudinal wall, and the first side wall and thesecond side wall are comprised of a triangular shape. In these versions,the plurality of dividers may comprise of: (i) a first divider includinga first horizontal run adapted to hold the predetermined quantity ofchips and a first vertical rise; and (ii) a second divider including asecond horizontal run adapted to hold the predetermined quantity ofchips and a second vertical rise that is shorter than the first verticalrise to separate the first horizontal run from the second horizontalrun. The plurality of dividers may also include (iii) a third dividerincluding a third horizontal run adapted to hold the predeterminedquantity of chips and a third vertical rise that is shorter than thesecond vertical rise to separate the second horizontal run from thethird horizontal run. The plurality of dividers may be permanentlyattached to the plurality of cylindrical troughs or to other parts ofthe chip rack. Alternatively, the plurality of dividers may becollectively or individually detachable from the plurality ofcylindrical troughs or from other parts of the chip rack.

Although the present invention has been described above in some detailwith reference to certain versions thereof, other versions are possible.The structural components of the invention may be of any suitable shape,dimension, material and/or configuration; may further include structuresnot described hereinabove; and may be positioned at alternate suitablelocations within the apparatus without departing from the spirit andscope of the present invention.

While the description above refers to particular embodiments of thepresent invention, it will be understood that many modifications may bemade without departing from the spirit thereof. The presently disclosedembodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects asillustrative and not restrictive.

What is claimed is:
 1. A divided chip rack comprising: a tray comprisedof a first side wall, a second side wall that is parallel to the firstside wall, a bottom member including a plurality of cylindrical troughsthat hold gaming chips wherein the plurality of cylindrical troughs areparallel to the first side wall and the second side wall, a firstlongitudinal wall, and a second longitudinal wall that is parallel tothe first longitudinal wall wherein the first side wall, the second sidewall, the first longitudinal wall, and the second longitudinal wall areattached to the bottom member; and a plurality of dividers thatperpendicularly intersect the plurality of cylindrical troughs whereinthe plurality of dividers are spaced to separate a predeterminedquantity of chips.
 2. The divided chip rack of claim 1 wherein thepredetermined quantity of chips is
 20. 3. The divided chip rack of claim2 wherein the plurality of dividers is comprised of a first dividercomprising a first series of protuberances, a second divider comprisinga second series of protuberances, and a third divider comprising a thirdseries of protuberances.
 4. The divided chip rack of claim 3 wherein theplurality of dividers further comprises a fourth divider comprising afourth series of protuberances wherein the fourth divider runs along thefirst longitudinal wall to provide a distance between the firstlongitudinal wall and a stack of chips to allow a dealer to easily liftup the stack of chips.
 5. The divided chip rack of claim 1 furthercomprising a spacer that runs along the first longitudinal wall whereinthe spacer provides a distance in-between the first longitudinal walland a stack of chips to allow a dealer to easily lift up the stack ofchips.
 6. The divided chip rack of claim 1 wherein the plurality ofcylindrical troughs run from the first longitudinal wall to the secondlongitudinal wall.
 7. The divided chip rack of claim 1 wherein the firstlongitudinal wall is taller than the second longitudinal wall andwherein the first side wall and the second side wall are comprised of atriangular shape.
 8. The divided chip rack of claim 1 wherein theplurality of dividers are permanently attached to the plurality ofcylindrical troughs.
 9. A dividing apparatus for a chip rack, thedividing apparatus comprising: a plurality of dividers thatperpendicularly intersect a plurality of cylindrical troughs located onthe chip rack wherein the plurality of dividers are spaced to separate apredetermined quantity of gaming chips; and a spacer that runs along alongitudinal wall of the chip rack and runs perpendicularly to theplurality of cylindrical troughs wherein the spacer provides a distancein-between the longitudinal wall and a stack of gaming chips to allow adealer to easily lift up the stack of gaming chips.
 10. The dividingapparatus of claim 9 wherein the predetermined quantity of gaming chipsis
 20. 11. The dividing apparatus of claim 9 wherein the plurality ofdividers is removably attached to the chip rack.
 12. The dividingapparatus of claim 9 wherein the plurality of dividers includes aninfrared coating.
 13. A dividing system for gaming chips comprising: achip rack comprised of a first side wall, a second side wall that isparallel to the first side wall, a bottom member including a pluralityof cylindrical troughs that hold the gaming chips wherein the pluralityof cylindrical troughs are parallel to the first side wall and thesecond side wall, a first longitudinal wall, and a second longitudinalwall that is parallel to the first longitudinal wall wherein the firstside wall, the second side wall, the first longitudinal wall, and thesecond longitudinal wall are attached to the bottom member; a pluralityof dividers that perpendicularly traverse the plurality of cylindricaltroughs wherein the plurality of dividers separate a predeterminedquantity of chips; and a spacer that runs along the first longitudinalwall wherein the spacer provides a distance in-between the firstlongitudinal wall and a stack of gaming chips to allow a dealer toeasily lift up the stack of gaming chips.
 14. The dividing system ofclaim 13 wherein the predetermined quantity of chips is
 20. 15. Thedivided chip rack of claim 13 wherein the plurality of dividers iscomprised of a first divider comprising a first series of protuberances,a second divider comprising a second series of protuberances, and athird divider comprising a third series of protuberances.
 16. Thedividing system of claim 13 wherein the first longitudinal wall istaller than the second longitudinal wall and wherein the first side walland the second side wall are comprised of a triangular shape.
 17. Thedividing system of claim 16 wherein the plurality of dividers iscomprised of: a first divider including a first horizontal run adaptedto hold the predetermined quantity of chips and a first vertical rise;and a second divider including a second horizontal run adapted to holdthe predetermined quantity of chips and a second vertical rise that isshorter than the first vertical rise to separate the first horizontalrun from the second horizontal run.
 18. The dividing system of claim 17wherein the plurality of dividers further comprises: a third dividerincluding a third horizontal run adapted to hold the predeterminedquantity of chips and a third vertical rise that is shorter than thesecond vertical rise to separate the second horizontal run from thethird horizontal run.
 19. The dividing system of claim 13 wherein theplurality of dividers are permanently attached to the plurality ofcylindrical troughs.
 20. The dividing system of claim 13 wherein theplurality of dividers are detachable from the plurality of cylindricaltroughs.